By Jonathan Overend BBC Five Live tennis correspondent in Paris

Gilbert is a former coach of Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick

American Brad Gilbert could become Andy Murray's new coach after holding talks with the British number two and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).

Gilbert, who used to coach Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick, met Murray's agent Patricio Apey and LTA boss Roger Draper in a Paris hotel on Wednesday morning.

Murray, 19, needs a new coach after parting with Mark Petchey in April.

The LTA also needs someone to head its performance programme after sacking David Felgate last month.

The three-way meeting has fuelled speculation that a possible joint arrangement, for the benefit of both the LTA and Murray, has been discussed.

Murray ideally needs a full-time advisor, but the chance of getting help from Gilbert, one of the most successful and respected coaches on the tour, would be appealing.

After his successful partnership with Agassi, Gilbert linked up with Roddick in June 2003 and coached him to the US Open title and the world number one ranking.

Likewise, the LTA is looking to build a team of coaches to take British tennis forward.

Murray parted company with coach Mark Petchey in April

The one stumbling block could be money.

Gilbert was one of the highest paid coaches in the world and now has a lucrative contract with the TV network ESPN.

Draper has said he is willing to pay what it takes to get the best coaches in the world, but Murray may not be able to afford the salary required to tempt Gilbert back on the tour full-time.

After Wimbledon, the LTA will review the funding of all its leading players, including Murray, and Draper might decide to invest heavily in Britain's one world-class prospect for the long-term benefit of British tennis.

A joint arrangement would spread the cost, although there is no suggestion that an offer has been made at this stage.